advice on making a proposal

[Ankesh]

I've created proposals and presentations before - but never for a boss (me being my own boss for my entire life except 1 week.)

What I do is usually:

1. Write down the basic idea in 1-2 paragraphs.

2. Create a table with 2 columns.
2.a. On the left hand side, write down "Production" or "Operations" - and make a list of all the details needed to make the idea into a reality.
2.b. On the right hand side, write down "Marketing" - and list down all the ideas that can be used to promote the idea.

3. Then itemize everything under "Production" and "Marketing" - make a few phone calls - and figure out the costs. Add a little bit of cushion for the costs.

4. Next, estimate the time it'll take. Double it.

5. Then calculate the profit potential - if the idea is a flop, if the idea is a huge success, and if the idea works out ok - mention the profit or loss estimates for all 3 scenarios.

Thats it.

You could also create graphs and images and file everything in an expensive looking folder. But basically, if you talk about Production, Marketing, Finance, Time and Profit Potential - its comprehensive and your boss should be able to make his decision based on that info.